[woodandsteel]

I am quite sure you are right this is corrupt putinism. Putin's economic system is crony capitalism. The laws mean nothing, it is all a matter of who has political corrections and pays the biggest bribe.

That is why there is so little technological innovation in Russia, in spite of its being a huge developed country with a highly educated workforce (except, of course, for hacking). People with ideas know they will just be stolen, so they either leave them undeveloped or move to another country with real rule of law.

[emayljames]

This sentiment is equally true for the west, crony capitalism. I just wish more people would acknowledge that the west is in the same state.

[woodandsteel]

No, that's not true. There is a lot wrong with western capitalism, but it isn't nearly bad as what is going on in Putin's Russia.